![]() A total of thirteen MEMS/NEMS technologies are evaluated. The empirical case of micro/nanoelectromechanical systems technologies (MEMS/NEMS), which embrace micro- and nano-sensors and actuators, is used. Our approach integrates bibliometric indicators, social network analysis and multivariate statistical methods on scientific publications, and their citing and cited references. We do so by looking into the dynamic properties of scientific knowledge bases in terms of their rates and directions of change. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the operationalization of emerging technologies by presenting an approach for quantitatively interpreting technologies of an emerging nature along both dimensions. In particular, operationalization approaches based on bibliometric methods have often tended to emphasize the exponential growth and the potential impacts of emerging technologies while overlooking their inherent uncertainty and ‘fluidity’. Despite their appealing nature, they have been loosely defined and operationalized. (Fully case studies are presented in a separate volume)Įmerging technologies embrace the very early stages of socio-technological evolution. The book concludes by suggesting ways the CGIAR could reposition and reinvigorate its self as a champion of agri-food system innovation aligned to the sustainable development agenda. Equally it highlights that the innovation systems framing and unrealistic expectation of the private sector are becoming increasingly problematic. The discussion highlights the way issues of innovation governance and directionality are becoming more important considerations for research organisations. This book reviews current innovation concepts relevant to the sustainable development agenda and explores cases 16 studies from the agri-food sector and compares this experience with other sector. This has significant implications for public agricultural research organisation, including the CGIAR, and their efforts to contribute to agri-food system innovation. A central point of departure is the need to shift from innovation systems as a guiding framework to system innovation perspectives. The sustainable development agenda and its emphasis on transformational change reframes innovation concepts, practice and policy. ![]() Smith et al., (2010) describe the elements of the socio-technical regime of the modern food system as physical inputs, plant-breeding techniques, pesticides, harvesting technologies, transport and logistics, food processing, cooking technology, the social elements that give these artefacts meaning and purpose-such as prevailing attitudes towards farming, ideas about soil health and nutritional food, official agricultural policy and price-support mechanisms, organised interests, the structure of food retailing, shifting trends in food consumption, and other social considerations, including concern about long-term environmental sustainability. The introduction of alternative energy systems, therefore, not only requires technological innovation such as hydrogen-based fuel cell technology (which has already been invented), but also requires a whole set of related changes, including political will, to usher in a new socio-technical regime based around this technology (Mytelka, 2003). Historically the dominant socio-technological regime has supported oil-based combustion engine-powered vehicles through a fuel supply infrastructure, pricing and taxation policies as well as an associated research, engineering and innovation capacity tailored to fossil fuel-based energy, all supported by powerful vested interests in the oil and automotive sector. ![]() Presented at GLOBELICS 2009, 7th International Conference, 6-8 October, Dakar, Senegal. It is argued that this is because such factors were effective in addressing specific characteristics of the ‘emerging phase’ of fuel cell technology. In Singapore the stronger presence of such factors in its policy environment has had a positive influence on the development of fuel cell technology – while the absence or weaknesses of these factors might have contributed to the weaker and more unbalanced development in Malaysia. It shows that the development of system functions in fuel cells in Singapore is higher than in Malaysia, and this is shaped by four key factors: (1) Diversity of actors and the alignment of their activities (2) synergy between energy, environment and industrial policies (3) openness to internationalisation and (4) responsiveness to demonstration activities. ![]() This article uses the systems of innovation approach (in this case using the technological system framework and analysis of system functions) to provide insights for understanding the challenges that latecomer countries have to face in the development of an emerging technology like fuel cells. ![]()
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